Foxx Interviews Energy Leaders on Efforts to Turn Charlotte into a Energy Hub

Charlotte, NC — Recently on his interview show “The Point,” Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx spoke with Jeff Merrifield, Senior Vice President at the Shaw Power Group in Charlotte, and Dave Dalton, President and CEO of General Microcircuits Inc. in Mooresville, about the process of turning Charlotte into a national energy hub. During the interview, the trio discussed how the area’s educational institutions, talented workforce, and energy companies all play a role in establishing the region as America’s “New Energy Capital.”

To watch the full interview, click here or on the photo above.

Foxx has been a strong proponent of the drive to make Charlotte an energy leader as a way to both create jobs and diversify the region’s economy. At a City Council meeting Monday, he asked the Economic Development Committee to study what role the City should play in the effort. Foxx said the City might consider:

Leading trade missions to promote Charlotte’s energy sector overseas. Attracting energy-related conferences and events to Charlotte. Supporting E4 Carolinas, a nonprofit organization working to build the Charlotte region into a national energy hub. Continuing to support Envision Charlotte, a public-private partnership that aims to reduce Center City energy usage by 20 percent over 5 years. Establishing an energy efficiency loan program for commercial businesses to retrofit their buildings.
Collaborating with community partners to build a green jobs training program. Continuing the City’s energy efficiency commercial and residential block grant programs.
Increasing work opportunities in the energy sector for participants in the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program.